The 2022 Théo Dancer Roc Breïa Chardonnay is a highly regarded white Burgundy produced from old vines in the Mâconnais region of France. Crafted by rising star winemaker Théo Dancer (son of legendary Vincent Dancer), this estate project focuses on natural, minimal-intervention viticulture. While often associated with the Mâcon-Villages sub-region, the wine is intentionally declassified and bottled as a Vin de France (VdF) to maintain full winemaking freedom.

• Vine Age: 40 to 70+ years old, growing on marl and red limestone soils
• Winemaking Style: Whole-bunch pressed into used 500-liter barrels with native yeast fermentation. No new oak contact is used to protect the mineral freshness. It is aged for 12 months, settled in tanks, and bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur adjustments.
• Aromas: Bursting with notes of fresh pear, lemon peel, white flowers, hazelnuts, bread dough, and struck-gunflint reduction.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a satiny, fleshy attack. It breaks away from typical, heavy Mâcon expressions by showcasing a highly linear, driving citrus core.
• Finish: Delivers a vibrant, mouth-puckering mid-palate that results in a long, saline, and chalky finish.

The 2022 Chardonnay has turned out beautifully, bursting with aromas of pear, white flowers, bread dough and hazelnuts, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy palate with a satiny attack that segues into a charming, lively mid-palate, with good cut and a saline finish. Dancer sold off two-thirds of his crop in 2021, but the quality of his raw materials in 2022 should permit a less draconian selection. (RP92)

Grape: Chardonnay

Region: Burgundy

Rating: Vivino 4.2, RP92